Visiting the Temple Complex of Muktinath

Muktinath Travel Blog

First thing in the morning we visited the temple/monastery complex in Muktinath. Muktinath is a holy pilgrimage site for both Hindu and Buddist religions and the sights were crowded with pilgrims paying a visit. The site is holy because it is believed to be one of the rare places where earth, air, fire (a natural gas flame), and water (a spring) exist at one location. For this and other reasons it has historically been a place of meditation and worship and hence the buildings sprung up around the complex.

We walked through the complex and saw the spring which has been directed through 108 spouts and baths. Hindus believe that if you pass through all the showers (freezing cold water) and the baths that your sins will be forgiven. A few prople decided to have a go at the cold waters and take part.

Springs at Muktinath

The flame was located in the central temple complex that non-Hindus were not allowed to enter so couldn't see much of that site. We did get a chance to see some of the monasteries on the site as well, but no pictures were allowed there. For some more info on the Muktinath complex, follow this link: Muktinath Foundation

One other facet of this side of the pass and of all the people that were present at Muktinath. A rough jeep road exists all the way to Muktinath. We saw motorbikes in Ranipauwa and buses could be found shuttling people back and forth to Jomsom where flights could be had back to Pokhara or Kathmandu. While the road brings more people, it also means cheaper food, greater availability of electricity, and more services even here in Muktinath.